The Law & the Profits

Parkinson's new Law has the same surprising simplicity as his first and it affects every one of us, for we all pay taxes and often feel that we grossly over-pay them. Individual Income has an inevitable way of getting spent, but how many of us realise that what is true of individual is even more true of public expenditure?

However crushing the burden of taxation, however mountainous the revenue, there will always be schemes for spending up to the last penny-and beyond. Parkinson's First Law sees to that.

Can the Juggernaut ofrevenue-and taxation-ever be stopped? Is there a point at which national disaster becomes inevitable?

Professor Parkinson starts by out¬lining the history of taxation from ancient times to the present day, and reveals a fact of major importance that there is such a point of no-return, beyond which it is fatal to pass. His inimitable way of ferreting out the facts is made even more deadly by the wit with which he presents them. Still, however diverting the extravagances he records, his note is one of urgent questioning.

Are we, after all, far too heavily taxed-and where does all the money go? Under such conditions can any nation rise to the heights of individual freedom and greatness?

If the answers here clearly illumined cannot be refuted, how can matters mend? There can be no quick cure to a wasting disease so long-established. But ... while there is Parkinson there is hope.